East Lancashire Railway

The East Lancashire Railway operates every weekend throughout the year and Wednesdays to Friday from April to September. 

The line is over 12 miles long and runs between Heywood and Rawtenstall, with intermediate stations at Bury, (4 miles from Heywood) and Ramsbottom, (8 miles from Heywood). Unstaffed Halts are provided between Bury and Ramsbottom at Summerseat, and between ramsbottom and Rawtenstall at Irwell Vale.

The journey between Heywood and Rawtenstall takes approximately one hour in each direction. From Heywood the line descend Broadfield bank, and after crossing the M66 and the River Roch the line climbs towards Bury town centre and the Irwell valley. On leaving Bury the line commences the long climb up the valley via Ramsbottom, crossing the River Irwell nine times before reaching terminus at Rawtenstall.  www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

The Rail Ale Trail

A ride on the East Lancashire Railway offers not only stunning countryside but tucked away villages, hidden gems (and pubs) and plenty of fascinating history and quirky facts and stories. 

ELR’s Rail Ale Trail takes you on a journey to discover some of the Irewll Valley’s most beautiful locations and exceptional pubs, all linked together by the railway. Whether you are an ale enthusiast, lover of a good pint of bitter or a tee-totaller, you will find something to suit your taste buds at every station along the route.

Simply download the Rail Ale Trail guide if you wish to follow the trail at your own pace. The guide is designed as a handy accompaniment to start and finish your tour at any of the ELR station

www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk

Atelier Rose and Gray gallery

Atelier Rose and Gray gallery and workshop is located at the heart of Ramsbottom village in Lancashire. Recently opened in January 2011, Atelier Rose and Gray gallery are a small gallery specialising in original artists prints, ranging from original Etchings, Screenprints, Letterpress and Lithographs. 

Address: 10 Market Place Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9HT

Telephone: 01706 826891

Mobile: 07716 335084

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10.00 – 5.00,    Sunday 10.30 – 2.30

www.atelierrosegray.co.uk

Irwell Vale & Lumb Conservation Area

The Irwell Vale and Lumb Residents' Association work with residents and many organisations to help the community and environment.

There are a number of events in the village, particularly the East Lancashire Railway War Weekend, fund raising events in the Methodist Church including a Christmas Service and Carol Singing, a Harvest Festival and evening activities.

To find out more go to: www.irwellvale.co.uk/home

The Chocolate Café

The Chocolate Café is a chocolate shop and licensed café based in Ramsbottom. The Chocolate Café serve simple British food of the highest quality and add a chocolate twist to brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. The Chocolate Café have recently been voted ‘Best Family Friendly Dining Venue’ at the Manchester Food & Drink Awards.

Address: Carr Street & Bolton Street, Ramsbottom, Bury, BL0 9HX

Tel: 01706 822 828

Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10.30am-5.00pm Saturday & Sunday 10.00am-5.00pm

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

www.chocolate-cafe.co.uk

Ramsons Restaurant

Ramsons is the Old English name for Wild Garlic (ursinium). Wild Garlic thrives in moist locations; thus Ramsbottom has nothing to do with a sheep’s rear end! The area used to be called “Ramsons Bottoms” – because Wild Garlic just loves the fact that Rammy is a damp valley bottom! ramsons cuisine is based upon the vivid flavours of ingredients which thrive in their natural environment.

Address:16-18 Market Place, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 9HT

Tel: 01706 825070

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.ramsons-restaurant.com

Ramsbottom Festival

Ramsbottom is a small and picturesque town nestled in the hills above Bury in Greater Manchester about half an hour from Manchester city centre. Ramsbottom Festival is a 3 day boutique event bringing internationally renowned musicians to a stunning riverside location.

www.ramsbottomfestival.com

Ramsbottom Chocolate Festival

The first festival in 2009 focused on a chocolate market with just 12 chocolate stalls. From these small beginnings it has grown into a two day event, still very much focused on high end quality chocolate, but with a great family appeal.

Other destinations have tried to replicate the event but Ramsbottom remains the home of the original and the best UK chocolate festival. Offering a truly unique chocolate experience for all the family.

www.chocfest.wordpress.com

The World Black Pudding Throwing Championship

Since time immemorial the historic public house has paid tribute to the brave men and women who repelled raiding parties from Yorkshire by competing to dislodge Yorkshire Puddings from the ceremonial plinth with finest quality Bury black puddings (kindly now supplied by Chadwicks of Bury…undoubtedly the finest Black Puddings in the world).

An event now enshrined as the WORLD BLACK PUDDING THROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS!

www.ramsbottomonline.com

Ramsbottom Farmer’s market

FARMERS MARKETS - MARKET PLACE AND CIVIC HALL, RAMSBOTTOM

Second Sunday of each month - Speciality Shops and restaurants open with the market. 

From 10am - 4pm. The farmers market is held monthly in the Market Place and inside Ramsbottom Civic Hall. It features more than 25 stalls and brings together farmers and producers from all over the North West.

A vast array of local produce is available, including jams, breads and home-made fudge, fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat (including ostrich), savoury pies and seafood. Also there are home-made crafts, cards, paintings and other locally made items.

www.ramsbottom.net